styles of dance studied

Below is a brief definition of the various styles of dance studied at the school.

BALLET:

Ballet is taught from the age of 3 with students learning correct posture, arm lines, basic steps and musicality. Lessons for beginners are held on a Saturday and students have the opportunity to attend specialist ballet classes once they have settled into class life. Pointe work can be studied once a student is at the relevent level and age, but only at the teachers discretion.

EUROPEAN NATIONAL:

Students study a range of folk dances from all around Europe. Opportunities are given for students to study traditional dances, costumes, music and the various customs of each country. Some examples of the countries studied are: Holland, Sweden, Russia, Finland, England, Italy, and Slovakia.

European national is normally studied alongside the ballet programme as the two crossover in the ballet medal tests.

TAP:

Tap is one of the most enjoyable forms of dance and all students are given weekly lessons which develop technique, style and rhythmic quality. Stage exams are taken which combine tap with stagecraft (rhythm) and modern dance.

MODERN DANCE:

'A style of theatrical dance that rejects the limitations of classical ballet and favors movement deriving from the expression of inner feeling.'

'Serious theatrical dance forms that are distinct from both ballet and the show dancing of the musical comedy or variety stage.'

Modern dance is studied alongside tap and is incorporated into the stage examinations. Seperate modern dance exams can be studied alongside the stage exams. Lyrical elements are included from ballet, contemporary and incorporated alongside jazz. Excercises are studied to develop a students technique, suppleness and musical style.